Riverside Park is located at the base of West Grand Boulevard on the Detroit River, directly south of the Ambassador Bridge in Southwest Detroit. The city developed an overall concept for phases 1-5 and engaged PEA Group to develop updated concept plans through construction documents for phases 3-4 of the project. The city of Detroit is working to develop due-care plans for both phases of the project, and the new design will incorporate the environmental cleanup requirements per MDEQ requirements.
Phase 3 and 4 will expand the existing southwest boundary of the park, adding close to five acres of a public park while increasing the river frontage and access for shore fishing. A new interactive spray park, with rolling topography and safety surfacing, can be utilized as a play space in colder months, will also be included.
Grand Boulevard will be extended into the park, providing better vehicular access for fishers and cyclists while doubling as a hardscape surface for festivals and weekend events. A new sledding hill will provide winter recreation opportunities and offer unique river and downtown views. Upland and lowland habitat improvements are incorporated into the design, spanning from the existing seawall to the top of the proposed hillside.
A picnic shelter near the base of the sledding hill will provide a location for concerts and movies in the park, doubling as an outdoor performance space. Picnic shelters and an outdoor fitness area are included in the plans adjacent to a ¼-mile walking loop. The existing riverwalk will remain intact with new site furnishings and repairs as needed.
This project is ongoing. Completion of this construction at Riverside Park will provide new and exciting recreational amenities to nearby residents and the overall community.